Worker severely burned in steel plant accident dies

(WBIR) A worker severely burned in an accident at a north Knoxville steel plant in May passed away.

A spokesperson for Gerdeau Long Steel North America confirmed the employee died Monday night. Less than a month ago, an accident at the company's plant on Tennessee Avenue sent six people to the hospital.

The employee who died was the only one who suffered severe injuries. Doctors released the other five workers the night of the accident.

The company said it has been working with authorities to determine what caused the incident, and expects the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration to release its final report within the next two months.

Gerdeau said it won't release personal information on the employee who passed away because of company policy and respect to the family.

The accident occurred on May 15 while employees were melting down scrap metal.